Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Elder Care Issues (2)

Millions of seniors in the U.S. receive critical health benefits through Medicare. The recent change of the calendar year brought with it some changes to the program. Whether you’re new to Medicare or already enrolled, this roundup of seven Medicare changes in 2019 is designed to help seniors and their caregivers understand and make the most of their benefits. 

While anyone can come down with the flu, one demographic is particularly susceptible to this respiratory illness and its potentially life-threatening complications: people aged 65 and over.  In fact, according to research published in PLOS One, seniors represented a staggering 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent of all seasonal flu-related deaths in recent years. However, there are things caregivers can do to keep aging loved ones safe—starting with these flu prevention tips for older adults. 

The good news? People today are living longer than ever. The bad news? Longer life comes at a cost. Specifically, older people are more likely to develop geriatric syndromes, defined as “common clinical conditions that don't fit into specific disease categories but have substantial implications for functionality and life satisfaction in older adults.”  

Former first lady Barbara Bush recently made news when she elected to focus on “comfort care” instead of pursuing additional medical treatments following years of failing health. Read on for a closer look at what “comfort care” means, along with why it’s an option for people with many different kinds of illnesses. 

Aging gracefully in place is a goal for many older Americans, but unfortunately, remaining at home will be a challenge for many. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately one in seven Americans will develop a disability that lasts more than five years, and many of these Americans will be individuals 65 and over. As they age, a considerable number of disabled individuals will eventually find themselves in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Gun violence and gun control are currently among the most pressing issues facing Americans. And while a great deal of attention is focused around regulating access to guns overall, far less attention is paid to another critical, more specific issue: the millions of firearms that are already in the homes of aging Americans who may be suffering from dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Here’s a closer look.

Sometimes after an inpatient hospital stay, we need a little help with getting back on our feet. This might occur in a Skilled Nursing Facility, where we receive care from a nurse and/or physical therapist. It might also occur in our home where we might receive outpatient rehabilitative services or personal care. All home health care is designed to help you regain your independence and be able to care for yourself again.

By now we’re all aware that fiber is an important part of a healthy diet for everything from heart health to weight management. Now comes one more piece of evidence reinforcing the value of eating fiber-rich foods: Doing so may delay age-related brain inflammation, according to recent research published in the academic journal, Frontiers in Immunology. 

We often talk about how to help caregivers be better caregivers. At the same time, we are also keenly aware of the tremendous burden of caregivers, and the impact of that burden on their overall health and wellness. The good news? They don’t have to do it alone. 

Coping with aging, sick or dying parents is difficult even under the best circumstances. Factor in the sibling strife that often arises in families trying to manage care for aging loved ones, and the situation becomes exponentially more challenging. Read on for a roundup of common sibling caregiving scenarios, along with tips aimed at keeping the peace.